About Me
My background
I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and have called Houston, Texas home for the past 25 years.
At my core, I am an educator. I began my career as a classroom teacher and have dedicated my professional life to helping others learn, grow, and thrive. For the past 15 years, I have served as an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization in the heart of Houston, where I work alongside underprivileged children and their families to provide educational services, support, and resources.
This work is much more than a career, it is a calling. I am deeply committed to creating better opportunities, environments, and outcomes for marginalized communities. I believe every child deserves access to quality education, encouragement, and the tools necessary to reach their full potential.
Children of all ages hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of so many families over the years. Through faith, service, and meaningful relationships, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of investing in people and communities.
Whether I am serving families through my nonprofit work or sharing my passion for wine, my goal remains the same: to educate, inspire, connect, and create memorable experiences that bring people together.
Thank you for being here and for joining me on this journey.
Who I am
I am a Christian who strives to live my faith out loud through service, compassion, gratitude, and authenticity. My faith serves as the foundation for how I approach life, relationships, and the work I am called to do.
I believe in living authentically and embracing the lifelong journey of growth and self-discovery. We are all works in progress, constantly learning, evolving, and becoming. Life is a precious gift, and I believe we should embrace each day with joy, purpose, curiosity, and gratitude.
As a lifelong learner, I am continually seeking new experiences, knowledge, and opportunities for personal growth. Wine has become one of those beautiful avenues for learning a subject that is both endlessly fascinating and wonderfully connective. The more I learn, the more I realize there is still so much to discover.
Teaching and sharing knowledge with others has always been at the heart of who I am. Whether in a classroom, through nonprofit leadership, or around a table enjoying a glass of wine, I find great fulfillment in helping others learn, grow, and gain confidence in new experiences.
My hope is that this space becomes more than a wine resource. I hope it becomes a community where we can learn together, celebrate life's moments, create meaningful memories, and appreciate the journey along the way.
After all, wine like life is not about reaching a destination. It's about savoring the experience, appreciating the people we share it with, and enjoying the journey together.
Beyond the Wine Glass
As a proud Louisiana girl, you'll find me cheering loudly for the LSU Tigers on Saturdays and the New Orleans Saints on Sundays. Geaux Tigers! Geaux Saints!
My love of football began with my father, Papa Russell, who taught me everything I know about the game. Some of my most treasured memories are sitting beside him, watching football and learning the rules, strategy, and traditions that make the sport so special. In fact, I own a T-shirt that says, "My daddy taught me about Jesus and pass interference." That pretty much sums up my upbringing and always makes me smile.
When I'm not working or traveling, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, discovering great restaurants, and searching for my next favorite wine. Some of life's best moments are found around a dinner table, at a winery, or gathered together watching a great football game.
I also enjoy staying active and challenging myself physically. You can often find me logging miles on my Peloton bike or attending fitness classes. Balance is important to me, and I believe life is best enjoyed when we make time for faith, family, friendships, wellness, adventure, and a great glass of wine.
At the end of the day, I am most grateful for the people in my life and the memories we've created together. Whether we're sharing a meal, celebrating a milestone, traveling somewhere new, or opening a special bottle of wine, those moments are what truly matter.
Cheers to family, friends, football, and finding joy in every season of life! 🥂